Abstract

Background: The treatment of dry eyes has traditionally involved hydrating and lubricating the ocular surface, which include usage of artificial tear drops [carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)]. Corticosteroids possess potential anti-inflammatory properties, thereby used in controlling inflammation in many organs. FDA has approved the prescription of topical corticosteroids for corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions such as dry eye diseases. Aims and
Objective: To compare the effect of topical CMC alone or in combination with topical corticosteroid for the treatment of dry eye in a tertiary-care teaching hospital.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with dry eye were enrolled for a study period of 1 year. Patients (n = 60) were stabilized on CMC for 2 weeks and there then divided into two groups: group I (n = 30), CMC; group II (n = 30), CMC + corticosteroid. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Diagnostic tests included Schirmer’s test and tear breakup time (TBUT) test. Quality of life was assessed by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Analysis was done by t test; p o0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Schirmer’s values in groups I and II at 0 and 12 weeks were 7.8 ± 0.81 and 15.4 ± 0.62 (p o 0.0001) and 7.43 ± 0.42 and 17.53 ± 0.25 (p o 0.0001), respectively. TBUT values in groups I and II at 0 and 12 weeks were 4.93 ± 0.44 and 9.36 ± 0.35 (p o 0.0001) and 4.5 ± 0.38 and 10.43 ± 0.22 (p o 0.0001), respectively. OSDI score in groups I and II at 0 and 12 weeks were 87.64 ± 1.41 and 54.25 ± 1.09 (p o 0.0001) and 91.17 ± 1.13 and 53.55 ± 1.14 (p o 0.0001), respectively. At 12 weeks, intergroup comparison in Schirmer’s test (p o 0.05), TBUT test (p o 0.05), and OSDI score (p o 0.05) was done. Burning and stinging, photophobia, discharge, ocular infection, and increased intraocular pressure were among the common adverse effects seen. Conclusion: Both groups showed significant improvement in Schirmer’s test, TBUT test, and OSDI score at the end of study. Intergroup comparison showed significant improvement in the group where corticosteroid was added. Adding corticosteroid ameliorated the symptoms rapidly but short-term use recommended because of adverse effects.